Friction-lining segment, friction lining and process for its manufacture

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to friction-lining segments ( 33.1, 33.2 ) for a segmented friction lining ( 33 ) of a friction plate (e.g. a disc) for a brake, clutch or the like. According to the state of the art, these types of friction-lining segments ( 33.1, 33.2 ) usually demonstrate a lock mechanism ( 34.1 ) on one end and a lock counter-mechanism ( 35.2 ) complementary to the lock mechanism on the other end. The friction lining ( 33 ) of a friction plate may thus be built out of a plurality of these types of friction-lining segments ( 33.1, 33.2 ), which are usually designed identically and engage each other in a type of gearing. To ensure that the stress on the respective junction points (locks  36.1 ) is relieved along the connecting edges, it is provided according to invention that one or several holes ( 38.1   a  . . . ) be built into the friction lining ( 33 ) in the vicinity ( 37.1 ) of the lock ( 36.1 ). This will significantly increase the wear resistance of this type of segmented friction lining ( 33 ). It is provided according to invention that the holes ( 38.1   a  . . . ) be milled into the lining ( 33 ).

[0001] The patent relates to a friction-lining segment in accordancewith the preamble of Claim 1, a friction lining in accordance with thepreamble of Claim 8, and a process for manufacturing friction-liningsegments in accordance with the preamble of Claim 12.

[0002] Brake and clutch devices, like those in documents DE 2854051 A1,U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,609, and DE 3532759 C1, describe multi-disc clutchesfrom which the invention proceeds and which the following will refer to.They are based on two or more friction plates, which are generallycalled discs and preferably have a basically annular shape. A firstgroup of these discs, the external discs, are arranged on an externaldisc carrier that is connected to a first shaft, a drive shaft forexample, and a second group of these discs, the internal discs, arearranged on an internal disc carrier that is connected to a secondshaft, an output shaft for example. The discs of both groups engage eachother gear-tooth-like forming a disc pack, each external disc beingarranged adjacent to an internal disc. External discs and internal discscan be displaced to each other to some extent in the axial direction,their end faces touching each other thereby being in frictionalengagement pairwise (i.e. transmitting a torque from the drive shaft tothe output shaft), and they can be brought out of frictional engagement.

[0003] Some of these discs comprise of a carrier, preferably metallic,which supports a friction lining, usually manufactured of fibrousmaterial or the like, on one or both basically annular end faces.

[0004] For an example, please refer to the detailed descriptions in theaforementioned patent documents.

[0005] Friction linings of the aforementioned art were originallyimplemented as one integral piece. Meanwhile it has become customary tocompose these friction linings out of a plurality of separatefriction-lining segments in order to save material.

[0006] Examples of friction linings comprising of a plurality offriction-lining segments are known from EP 0521843 A1. On an endadjacent to an adjoining friction-lining segment, each friction-liningsegment of a friction lining segmented in this manner usuallydemonstrates a clip that engages a matching complementary groove builtinto the end of its adjoining friction-lining segment. This produces anessentially unalterable connection between adjoining friction-liningsegments, even when working pressure is applied. In technicalterminology, this essentially unalterable connection is called “lock.”

[0007] Although segmented friction linings with this type of connectionto adjoining friction-lining segments have proven themselves inprinciple, it is possible for damage to occur at the junction point,whereas this type of damage cannot occur in unsegmented frictionlinings. The damage to the junction point can be traced to theoccurrence of notches on the junction points of the friction lining.Loose projecting fibers of the friction material easily result innotches, especially at the respective ends of the friction-liningsegments.

[0008] To prevent hasty destruction of the friction layer, DE 69701946T2 proposes that the outside contour of the clip not follow the exactgeometric shape of the inside contour of the groove, but that a storagespace for the accommodation of coolant and stray fiber be formed betweentheir boundaries. This effects a dissipation and distribution of theheat that is generated in the center of the clip and groove junctionjoint in the (closed-loop) operation.

[0009] It has been shown that this measure indeed results in asubstantial reduction of wear, but that the service lives of unsegmentedlinings nevertheless remain unachieved.

[0010] The invention is based on the problem of elaborating and furtherdeveloping the known friction-lining segments so that the wear ofsegmented friction linings in the lock vicinity is further reduced. Itshall moreover present a process that permits this type of improvedfriction-lining segment and corresponding friction linings to beproduced.

[0011] For a friction-lining segment of the generic art, this problem issolved according to invention through the characteristics of thecharacterizing portion of Claim 1. A friction lining according toinvention of the generic art results from a generic friction liningthrough the characteristics of the characteristic portion of Claim 8.The characteristics of Claim 12 offer a process according to invention.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of theinvention are given in the dependent claims.

[0013] The invention proceeds quite generally from a friction-liningsegment for a segmented friction lining of a friction plate for a brake,a clutch or the like that features, on at least one end, a lockmechanism which connects to a lock counter-mechanism of anotherfriction-lining segment in a manner corresponding to the abovedescription, the lock counter-mechanism being of basically geometricallycomplementary design.

[0014] On the other end, the friction-lining segment from which theinvention proceeds in general features a lock counter-mechanism having abasically geometrically complementary design to the lock mechanism, sothat it is possible to fit together a conventionally annular frictionlining out of a plurality of this type of friction-lining segmentshaving the same geometric shape and conventionally designed in the shapeof a ring-segment. These lock mechanisms and lock counter-mechanismshelp to hold adjoining friction-lining segments together, formingso-called locks.

[0015] The invention relates not only to the ideal embodiment offriction-lining segments with lock mechanism and complementary lockcounter-mechanism described above, but also includes friction-liningsegments that feature a lock mechanism on one end and a differentlyshaped (not complementary to the lock mechanism) lock counter-mechanismor even another lock mechanism on the other end.

[0016] It is provided according to invention that, in a vicinity of thelock mechanism and/or in a vicinity of the lock counter-mechanism, ahole or a plurality of holes be built into the friction-lining segments.With this measure, it was possible to significantly increase the maximumservice life of clutch or brake devices with friction plates havingsegmented friction linings based on this type of friction-liningsegments. This can be attributed to the fact that these holes allow thestress on the lining to be relieved on the respective adjoining edges ofadjacent friction-lining segments when load is applied. The service lifeof this type of segmented lining is consequently nearly identical tothat of an unsegmented lining.

[0017] A particularly advantageous embodiment variant of the inventionconsists of the lock mechanism and/or the lock counter-mechanismdemonstrating a clip in which at least one hole is provided. Thisvariant is based on embodiments of friction-lining segments that areknown in their own right.

[0018] For friction-lining segments in which the clip demonstrates aneck and a head, it is provided according to invention that a hole belocated in the head. This hole will preferably demonstrate a geometricalshape that essentially corresponds to the outside contour of the head.

[0019] It has proven particularly advantageous for the head to bedesigned essentially rhombic (crocodilic). Here it is sufficient for thegeometric shape of the hole to approximate the rhombic shape to theextent that its outside contour has the shape of an ellipse.

[0020] It is further provided according to invention, that the lockmechanism and/or lock counter-mechanism demonstrate a groove, and thatat least one hole be provided in the vicinity bordering the groove.

[0021] The best results in reference to the locking characteristics werethen achieved when the depth of the holes built into the lining extendover the entire thickness of the friction lining. Under certaincircumstances (e.g. for reasons of stability), it may indeed beexpedient to implement the holes as blind holes.

[0022] The holes are built according to invention by means of milling,punching, or cutting into the friction-lining segments of the artdescribed above.

[0023] Finally, it is provided according to invention, that the lockmechanisms and/or lock counter-mechanisms on the friction-liningsegments be punched or cut essentially perpendicular to the direction ofthe fibers of the lining.

[0024] Diverse exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated inthe drawing and will be described in detail below. The drawing shows:

[0025]FIG. 1 a top view of a first exemplary embodiment of a frictionplate having a segmented friction lining developed according toinvention;

[0026]FIG. 2 a top view of a fragment of a second exemplary embodimentof a segmented friction lining developed according to invention;

[0027]FIG. 3 a top view of a fragment of a third exemplary embodiment ofa segmented friction lining developed according to invention;

[0028]FIG. 4a) a peripheral cross section of a fragment of a fourthexemplary embodiment of a segmented friction lining developed accordingto invention;

[0029]FIG. 4b) a top view of a fragment of the fourth exemplaryembodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4a), of a segmented friction liningdeveloped according to invention;

[0030]FIG. 5a) a peripheral cross section of a fragment of a segmentedfriction lining in accordance with the state of the art, in which thegeometrical shape of the lock of the friction-lining segments is chosenidentical to the lock of the fourth exemplary embodiment which isdeveloped according to invention and illustrated in FIGS. 4a) and 4 b);

[0031]FIG. 5b) a top view of a fragment of the segmented friction liningillustrated in FIG. 5a) in accordance with the state of the art;

[0032]FIG. 1 shows a friction plate or disc 1 having a segmentedfriction lining 3 improved according to invention. The disc 1demonstrates an essentially annular shape.

[0033] It comprises of an essentially annular metallic carrier 2 havingan internal gearing (of course an external gearing is a possiblealternative), whose end face facing the observer is provided with alarge-surface having an annular friction lining 3.

[0034] The annular friction lining 3 on the end face of carrier 2comprises of three (alternatively, any odd number is possible) separatefriction-lining segments 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. All three friction-liningsegments 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 form ring segments with congruent geometricalshape. Each pair of friction-lining segments, 3.1 and 3.2, 3.2 and 3.3,and 3.3 and 3.1 respectively, touch each other on one end and therebyform an essentially closed ring.

[0035] The respective adjoining ends of adjacent friction-liningsegments 3.1 and 3.2, 3.2 and 3.3, and 3.3 and 3.1 are implementedcomplementary to each other in such a manner that they each form tightconnections between the adjoining friction-lining segments 3.1 and 3.2,3.2 and 3.3, and 3.3 and 3.1 respectively, which in technicalterminology are called locks 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3.

[0036] Hereinafter we will call each end of a friction-lining segment3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 the lock mechanism, and we will call the other end ofthe friction-lining segment 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3, which as a rule isdesigned complementary to the lock mechanism, the lockcounter-mechanism.

[0037] The respective lock mechanisms presently demonstrate the shape ofa clip 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3. Accordingly the lock counter-mechanisms are inthe form of a groove 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. The respective clips 4.1, 4.2,4.3 and grooves 5.2, 5.3, 5.1 consequently each form a lock 6.1, 6.2,6.3.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the respectiveclips 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 are designed oblong. They each demonstrate a headsection and a narrower neck section. The geometric shape of therespective grooves 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 are selected in such a manner thatthey can accommodate the clips 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. The respective grooves5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 extend further in the peripheral direction so thathollow spaces are formed at the respective ends of the head sections ofclips 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, these hollow spaces being called storage spaces9.1, 9.2, 9.3 in conformity with DE 69701946 T2.

[0039] In addition to these storage spaces 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, other openings8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 that form hollow spaces are provided according toinvention in the respective lock vicinities 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3. Theseopenings 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 or holes are presently built into the respectiveclips 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. This increases the elasticity of the respectivelock 6.1, 6.2, 6.3.

[0040]FIG. 2 shows a fragment of a second exemplary embodiment of asegmented friction lining 13 designed according to invention.

[0041] Let us assume that the friction lining 13, in accordance with theexemplary embodiment described above, is a component of a disc having anessentially annular shape which engages an essentially annular metalliccarrier having an internal or external gearing, at least one end face ofthe carrier being provided with a large-surface having the annularfriction lining 13 in conformity with the variant presented above.

[0042] The annular end face 13 on the end face of the carrier comprisesof several separate friction-lining segments 13.1, 13.2, two of whichare fragmentarily depicted in the drawing. In conformity with theembodiment variant described above according to FIG. 1, thefriction-lining segments 13.1, 13.2 form ring segments with congruentgeometric shape. Each pair of friction-lining segments 13.1 and 13.2, asindicated in outline, adjoin each other at the end, thereby forming anessentially closed ring.

[0043] Here too, the respective adjoining ends of adjacentfriction-lining segments 13.1 and 13.2 adjoining each other arecomplementary to each other, forming lock mechanisms and lockcounter-mechanisms respectively.

[0044] Similarly as in the case of the first exemplary embodiment inaccordance with FIG. 1, the respective lock mechanisms here toodemonstrate the shape of a clip 14.1. Accordingly the respective lockcounter-mechanisms are in the form of a groove 15.2. The clip 14.1,illustrated exemplarily in the drawing in accordance with FIG. 2, andthe groove 15.2 engaging it form a lock 16.1.

[0045] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the clip 14.1 features ahead section and a narrower neck section. In the figure, the essentiallycircular head and the neck connecting it with the remainingfriction-lining segment 13.1 are indicated by reference characters 14.1a and 14.1 b, respectively.

[0046] A hollow space is provided according to invention in the lockvicinity 17.1 depicted here. This circular hollow space, which will becalled a hole here and below, is labeled with the reference character18.1 in FIG. 2. This hole 18.1 passes centrally through the head 14.1 a.

[0047]FIG. 3 shows a fragment of a third exemplary embodiment of asegmented friction lining 23 developed according to invention.

[0048] This friction lining 23 is a component of a disc in conformitywith the second exemplary embodiment described above and is alsodesigned essentially identically.

[0049] The fragment in accordance with FIG. 3 exemplarily shows the lockvicinity 27.1 of two adjacent friction-lining segments 23.1 and 23.2.

[0050] The lock mechanism of the first friction-lining segment 23.1 isdeveloped in accordance with the exemplary embodiment described above,namely in the form of a clip 24.1 with a circular head 24.1 a and a neck24.1 b connecting it to the end of friction-lining segment 23.1.

[0051] The lock counter-mechanism of the second friction-lining segment23.2 whose end adjoins the first friction-lining segment 23.1 isaccordingly designed complementary in the form of a groove 25.2, whichin FIG. 3 engages the clip 24.1 with positive fit, forming a lock 26.1.

[0052] The exemplary embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 2 and 3 differonly in that the head 14.1 a of the clip 14.1 of the firstfriction-lining segment 23.1 of the first embodiment demonstrates a hole18.1, whereas in the latter embodiment two holes 28.1 a and 28.1 b arebuilt or molded into the lock counter-mechanism of the secondfriction-lining segment 23.2 near the head. Both embodiments aresuitable for increasing the elasticity of the lining in the lockvicinity 17.1 or 27.1 respectively, in such a manner that the mechanicalstress of the lining is significantly reduced in this vicinity when itis under load, the result being that the service life of the segmentedlinings nearly corresponds to that of unsegmented linings.

[0053]FIG. 4 shows a fragment of a fourth preferred exemplary embodimentof a friction plate with segmented friction lining 33 developedaccording to invention. In comparison, FIG. 5 shows a fragment of afriction plate according to the state of the art which, except for thedevelopment according to invention, is designed identical to thefriction plate illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0054] The two friction plates, which are only illustrated fragmentarilyhere, each demonstrate an essentially annular shape.

[0055] They comprise of an essentially annular metallic carrier 32, 42and a likewise annular friction lining 33, 43, each of which is attachedto an end face of the carriers 32, 42, preferably by gluing.

[0056] The annular friction linings 33, 43 comprise of a plurality offriction-lining segments, two of which are fragmentarily illustrated inFIGS. 4a) and b) and in 5 a) and b) as examples. The illustratedfriction-lining segments bear the reference characters 33.1, 33.2 and43.1, 43.2.

[0057] All friction-lining segments (including those not drawn here),33.1 and 33.2, and 43.1 and 43.2 respectively, form ring segments withcongruent geometrical shape. Each pair of ring-lining segments, 33.1 and33.2, and 43.1 and 43.2 respectively, adjoin each other on the endthereby forming an essentially closed ring.

[0058] The respective ends of the adjacent friction-lining segments,33.1 and 33.2, and 43.1 and 43.2 respectively, adjoining each other aredesigned complementary to each other in such a manner that they eachform firm connections (locks) 36.1, 46.1 between the adjoiningfriction-lining segments 33.1 and 33.2, and 43.1 and 43.2 respectively.

[0059] The respective lock mechanisms 34.1, 44.1, like thecomplementarily designed lock counter-mechanisms 35.2, 45.2, presentlyengage a clip having both a neck 34.1 b, 35.2 b, 44.1 b, 45.2 bsupporting a head 34.1 a, 35.2 a, 44.1 a, 45.2 a and a groove 34.1 c,35.2 c, 44.1 c, 45.2 c adjacent to this clip.

[0060] A plurality of stress-relief holes/openings are providedaccording to invention in the lock vicinity 37.1 in the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 4. Thus the rhombic head 34.1 a of the firstlock mechanism 34.1 demonstrates an opening 38.1 that basically tracesthe contour of head 34.1 a. Moreover, a circular hole 38.3 a is alsolocated in the head 35.2 a of the lock counter-mechanism 35.2. Finally,two triangular holes 38.1 b and 38.1 c, which surround the rhombic head35.2 a of the lock counter-mechanism 35.2 essentially in axial symmetry,are built into the lock mechanism 34.1 in the vicinity of the lockmechanism that is adjacent to groove 34.1 c. These holes are preferablypunched into the friction lining.

[0061]FIGS. 4 and 5 furthermore indicate with the help of arrows, howforces acting perpendicular to the surface of the respective frictionlinings 33, 43 deform the respective friction linings 33, 43 within theplanes of those linings.

[0062] When compression forces act upon a portion of its surface, adeformable body will generally give way in the direction of its opensurfaces that are not exposed to any forces. A friction-lining segmentof the art described above will not behave differently.

[0063] In friction-lining segments 43.1, 43.2 in accordance with thestate of the art (FIGS. 5a and 5 b), expansion will consequently occurin the plane of the friction lining. This presses together the externalboundaries of the adjacent lock mechanisms 44.1 and lockcounter-mechanism of adjoining friction-lining segments 43.1, 43.2,finally leading to arching in the vicinity of the external boundariesand consequently to a mechanical stress that assists wear.

[0064] Friction-lining segments 33.1, 33.2 in accordance with theinvention (FIGS. 4a and 4 b) behave differently. Here too, expansionwill occur in the plane of the friction lining 33 itself due tocompression. But here the lining 33 can give way in the direction ofspecially built-in holes 38.1 a, 381.b, 38.1 c, 38.2 a. Thecounterpressure operating horizontally (in the plane of the lining) inthe vicinity of the adjacent external boundaries of lock mechanisms 34.1and lock counter-mechanisms 35.2 is significantly reduced. Arching inthis vicinity is largely excluded if the holes 38.1 a, 38.1 b, 38.1 c,38.2 a are suitably arranged and elongated.

Description of the Figures

[0065]1 Disc

[0066]2 Carrier

[0067]3 Friction lining

[0068]3.1 First friction-lining segment

[0069]3.2 Second friction-lining segment

[0070]3.3 Third friction-lining segment

[0071]4.1 Clip of first friction-lining segment

[0072]4.2 Clip of second friction-lining segment

[0073]4.3 Clip of third friction-lining segment

[0074]5.1 Groove of first friction-lining segment

[0075]5.2 Groove of second friction-lining segment

[0076]5.3 Groove of third friction-lining segment

[0077]6.1 First lock

[0078]6.2 Second lock

[0079]6.3 Third lock

[0080]7.1 First lock vicinity

[0081]7.2 Second lock vicinity

[0082]7.3 Third lock vicinity

[0083]8.1 First opening

[0084]8.2 Second opening

[0085]8.3 Third opening

[0086]9.1 First storage space

[0087]9.2 Second storage space

[0088]9.3 Third storage space

[0089]13 Friction lining

[0090]13.1 First friction-lining segment

[0091]13.2 Second friction-lining segment

[0092]14.1 Clip of first friction-lining segment

[0093]14.1 a Head of first clip

[0094]14.1 b Neck of first clip

[0095]15.2 Groove of second friction-lining segment

[0096]16.1 First lock

[0097]17.1 First lock vicinity

[0098]18.1 First opening

[0099]23 Friction lining

[0100]23.1 First friction-lining segment

[0101]23.2 Second friction-lining segment

[0102]24.1 Clip of first friction-lining segment

[0103]24.1 a Head of first clip

[0104]24.1 b Neck of first clip

[0105]25.2 Groove of second friction-lining segment

[0106]26.1 First lock

[0107]27.1 First lock vicinity

[0108]28.1 a First opening

[0109]28.1 b Second opening

[0110]32 Carrier

[0111]33 Friction lining

[0112]33.1 First friction-lining segment

[0113]33.2 Second friction-lining segment

[0114]34.1 Lock mechanism of first friction-lining segment

[0115]34.1 a Head of first lock mechanism

[0116]34.1 b Neck of first lock mechanism

[0117]34.1 c Groove of first lock mechanism

[0118]35.2 Lock counter-mechanism of second friction-lining segment

[0119]35.2 a Head of second lock counter-mechanism

[0120]35.2 b Neck of second lock counter-mechanism

[0121]35.2 c Groove of second lock counter-mechanism

[0122]36.1 First lock

[0123]37.1 First lock vicinity

[0124]38.1 a First opening

[0125]38.1 b Second opening

[0126]38.1 c Third opening

[0127]38.2 a Fourth opening

[0128]42 Carrier

[0129]43 Friction lining

[0130]43.1 First friction-lining segment

[0131]43.2 Second friction-lining segment

[0132]44.1 Lock mechanism of first friction-lining segment

[0133]44.1 a Head of first lock mechanism

[0134]44.1 b Neck of first lock mechanism

[0135]44.1 c Groove of first lock mechanism

[0136]45.2 Lock counter-mechanism of second friction-lining segment

[0137]45.2 a Head of second lock counter-mechanism

[0138]45.2 b Neck of second lock counter-mechanism

[0139]45.2 c Groove of second lock counter-mechanism

[0140]46.1 First lock

[0141]47.1 First lock vicinity

We claim:
 1. Friction-lining segment (3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 13.1, 13.2; 23.1,23.2; 33.1, 33.2) for a segmented friction lining (3, 13, 23, 33) of afriction plate (1) for a brake, clutch or the like with a lock mechanism(4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1; 34.1) arranged on one end and/or with a lockcounter-mechanism (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 15.2; 25.2; 35.2) arranged on theother end characterized in that at least one hole (8.1, 8.2, 8.3; 18.1;28.1 a, 28.1 b; 38.1 a, 38.1 b, 38.1 c, 38.2 a) is provided in avicinity (7.1, 7.2, 7.3; 17.1; 27.1; 37.1) of said lock mechanism (4.1,4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1; 34.1) and/or in a vicinity (7.1, 7.2, 7.3; 17.1;27.1; 37.1) of said lock counter-mechanism (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 15.2; 25.2;35.2).
 2. Friction-lining segment according to claim 1, characterized inthat said lock mechanism (34.1) and/or said lock counter-mechanism(35.2) demonstrates a clip (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1; 34.1 a, 34.1 b,35.2 a, 35.2 b) in which at least one hole (8.1, 8.2, 8.3; 18.1; 38.1 a,38.2 a) is provided.
 3. Friction-lining segment according to claim 2,characterized in that said clip (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1; 34.1 a, 34.1b, 35.2 a, 35.2 b) demonstrates a neck (14.1 b; 24.1 b; 34.1 b, 35.2 b)and a head (14.1 a, 24.1 a; 34.1 a, 35.2 a) and that at least one hole(8.1, 8.2, 8.3; 18.1; 38.1 a, 38.2 a) is located in said head (14.1 a,24.1 a; 34.1 a, 35.2 a).
 4. Friction-lining segment according to claim3, characterized in that said at least one hole (8.1, 8.2, 8.3; 18.1;38.1 a, 38.2 a) demonstrates an outside contour which essentiallycorresponds to the outside contour of said head (14.1 a, 24.1 a; 34.1 a,35.2 a).
 5. Friction-lining segment according to claim 4, characterizedin that said head (34.1 a, 35.2 a) is designed rhombic and demonstratesat least one hole (38.1 a) with an ellipse-shaped outside contour. 6.Friction-lining segment according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that said lock mechanism (34.1) and/or said lockcounter-mechanism (35.2) demonstrates a groove (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 15.2;25.2; 34.1 c, 35.2 c) and that said at least one hole (28.1 a, 28.1 b;38.1 b, 38.1 c) is provided in the vicinity (7.1, 7.2, 7.3; 17.1; 27.1;37.1.) bordering said groove (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 15.2; 25.2; 34.1 c, 35.2c).
 7. Friction-lining segment according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the depth of said at least one hole (8.1, 8.2,8.3; 18.1; 28.1 a, 28.1 b; 38.1 a, 38.1 b, 38.1 c, 38.2 a) extendsacross the entire thickness of said friction lining (3, 13, 23, 33). 8.Friction lining (3, 13, 23, 33) of a friction plate for a brake, clutch,or the like, having at least two friction-lining segments (3.1, 3.2,3.3; 13.1, 13.2; 23.1, 23.2; 33.1, 33.2) adjoining each other on atleast one end, wherein on a end adjoining one end of said adjacentsecond friction-lining segment (3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 13.1, 13.2; 23.1, 23.2;33.1, 33.2), said first friction-lining segment (3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 13.1,13.2; 23.1, 23.2; 33.1, 33.2) demonstrates a lock mechanism (4.1, 4.2,4.3; 14.1; 24.1; 34.1), which connects to a lock counter-mechanism (5.1,5.2, 5.3; 15.2; 25.2; 35.2) arranged on the adjoining end of saidadjacent second friction-lining segment (3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 13.1, 13.2;23.1, 23.2; 33.1, 33.2), forming a lock (6.1, 6.2, 6.3; 16.1; 26.1;36.1). characterized in that at least one hole (8.1, 8.2, 8.3; 18.1;28.1 a, 28.1 b; 38.1 a, 38.1 b, 38.1 c, 38.2 a) is provided in avicinity (7.1, 7.2, 7.3; 17.1; 27.1; 37.1) of said lock (6.1, 6.2, 6.3;16.1; 26.1; 36.1).
 9. Friction lining according to claim 8,characterized in that said lock mechanism (34.1) demonstrates a clip(4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1; 34.1 a, 34.1 b . . . ) having a neck (14.1b, 24.1 b, 34.1 b) and a head (14.1 a, 24.1 a, 34.1 a), and that saidlock counter-mechanism (35.2) demonstrates a groove (5.1, 5.2, 5.3;15.2; 25.2; 34.1 c, 35.2 c) which accommodates said clip (4.1, 4.2, 4.3;14.1; 24.1; 34.1 a, 34.1 b) having said neck (14.1 b, 24.1 b, 34.1 b)and said head (14.1 a, 24.1 a, 34.1 a) essentially with positive fit,and that said head (14.1 a, 24.1 a, 34.1 a) demonstrates at least onehole (8.1, 8.2, 8.3; 18.1; 38.1 a).
 10. Friction lining according toclaim 9, characterized in that at least one other hole (28.1 a, 28.1 b;38.1 b, 38.1 c) is provided in the vicinity of said lockcounter-mechanism (35.2) adjoining said groove (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 15.2;25.2; 34.1 c, 35.2 c).
 11. Friction lining according to claim 9 or 10,characterized in that said lock counter-mechanism (35.2) demonstrates aclip having a neck (35.2 b) and a head (35.2 a), and that said lockmechanism (34.1) demonstrates a groove (34.1 c), which accommodates saidclip having said neck (35.2 b) and said head (35.2 a) essentially withpositive fit, and that said head (35.2 a) demonstrates at least oneother hole (38.2 a).
 12. Process for manufacturing friction-liningsegments (3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 13.1, 13.2; 23.1, 23.2; 33.1, 33.2) whichdemonstrate at least one lock mechanism (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1;34.1) arranged on one end and/or at least one lock counter-mechanism(5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 15.2; 25.2; 35.2) arranged on the other end, and whichare punched or cut out of a fibrous material, characterized in that atleast one hole (8.1, 8.2, 8.3; 18.1; 28.1 a, 28.1 b; 38.1 a, 38.1 b,38.1 c, 38.2 a) is milled, punched or cut in a vicinity (7.1, 7.2, 7.3;17.1; 27.1; 37.1) of said lock mechanism (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1;34.1) and/or in a vicinity (7.1, 7.2, 7.3; 17.1; 27.1; 37.1) of saidlock counter-mechanism (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 15.2; 25.2; 35.2).
 13. Processaccording to claim 12, characterized in that said lock mechanism (4.1,4.2, 4.3; 14.1; 24.1; 34.1) and/or said lock counter-mechanism (5.1,5.2, 5.3; 15.2; 25.2; 35.2) on said friction-lining segments are punchedor cut essentially perpendicular to a fiber direction.
 14. Frictionplate (1) having a carrier (2, 32), and having at least one frictionlining (3, 13, 23, 33) arranged on at least one end face of said carrier(2, 32) in accordance with one of the claims 8 through
 11. 15. Processfor manufacturing a friction plate (1) according to claim 14, in whichsaid friction-lining segments (3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 13.1, 13.2; 23.1, 23.2;33.1, 33.2) of said friction lining (3, 13, 23, 33) are glued to saidcarrier (2, 32) characterized in that said friction plate (1) isimpregnated with resin following said gluing.